Detroit Lions P Sam Martin (groin) normally handles kickoff duties, but he said Wednesday, Dec. 18, he felt a pull on the inside of his right groin during warmups before the Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens Monday, Dec. 16. While Martin punted during the game, PK David Akers handled kickoffs as well as his placekicking chores. The team might employ the same split in the Week 16 game against the New York Giants.

Detroit Lions PK David Akers (hernia) is still working his way back to full strength, and he did not work with the kickoff units in practice Friday, Aug. 2. PKs Sam Martin and Havard Rugland worked with the kickoff units, with Martin only simulating kicks and Rugland blasting three through the back of the end zone.

Fantasy Tip: Akers might require a kickoff specialist to be retained as the season opens, lessening wear and tear as he makes his way back from injury. However, he will still be kicking for a team which should score plenty of points, and therefore he will be a valuable fantasy asset.

Detroit Lions Ps Sam Martin and Blake Clingan are expected to compete for the punter job during training camp, but Martin appears to be the favorite since the team took him in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft while Clingan was an undrafted free agent.